Spokane County Considers Purchasing 80 Acres for Conservation

The land near Camp Sekani Park has been a top priority for the Conservation Futures program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:54am

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The Spokane County Commission is set to consider purchasing around 80 acres of undeveloped land near Camp Sekani Park. The property, known as the Fancher Property, is covered in balsam root and ponderosa pine and has been the top priority for the county's Conservation Futures program for the past five years.

Why it matters

As Spokane County continues to experience rapid development, preserving pockets of undeveloped natural land has become increasingly important. The Fancher Property represents a valuable opportunity to protect an ecologically significant area from future subdivision and construction.

The details

The Fancher Property is currently privately owned, but the county is looking to acquire the land through the Conservation Futures program, which uses a special property tax levy to fund the purchase and preservation of open spaces. While the initial purchase cost may be affordable, the county must also consider the ongoing maintenance and management expenses associated with owning the land.

  • The Spokane County Commission will consider the purchase of the Fancher Property at their meeting next week.
  • The Fancher Property has been the top priority for the Conservation Futures program for the past five years.

The players

Spokane County Commission

The governing body of Spokane County, Washington, which is responsible for considering the purchase of the Fancher Property.

Conservation Futures program

A Spokane County program that uses a special property tax levy to fund the purchase and preservation of open spaces and natural areas.

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What they’re saying

“Every time we buy more, I always just think, 'Can we afford to own it?' ' Kerns said. 'Yes, we can afford to buy it, but sometimes that's the cheapest part.”

— Kerns

What’s next

If the Spokane County Commission approves the purchase, the county will move forward with acquiring the Fancher Property through the Conservation Futures program.

The takeaway

The potential purchase of the Fancher Property highlights the ongoing efforts by Spokane County to preserve natural areas and protect them from development, even as the region continues to experience rapid growth.